PHS vs. PH Basketball, Round 2

Park Hill South is facing off against Park Hill in a rivalry matchup on Fri., Feb. 13. The Panthers
and Trojans have already played each other this year, on Jan. 30, the Panthers won, 69-54. South is entering Friday’s game with a 16-3 record. Park Hill has a 16-4 record.

The Panthers’ have a squad that includes eight seniors. They are Allen Hyatt, James Byrd, Mitch Henderson, Easton Fortuna, Teeng Akoi, Shaefer Schuetz, Joshua Robaska and Nick Ruiz.

Easton Fortuna said it is the most important, “because it’s against Park Hill and people actually care. We have played them every year, but I want to go out with a bang because it is my senior year.”

Park Hill South’s student section, the Rage Cage, will be sure to play a factor in the outcome of the game according to Christian Holferty.

Ghasemi said, “The Rage Cage is a huge advantage to us because we know how to get into our opponent’s head.”

Park Hill’s starting shooting guard, Landry Shamet, is a senior, committed to play basketball for Wichita State University.

“Shamet, will give us trouble,” said Ghasemi, “but I think Allen (Hyatt) can shut him down.”

Holferty said, “Landry will definitely be the biggest factor for Park Hill.”

Shamet is averaging 17.3 points per game, 2.7 assists and 6.4 rebounds. He is a senior, four star recruit, and has committed to play college basketball for Wichita State University.

Allen Hyatt is the starting small forward for the Panthers.

Ghasemi says that Hyatt will be the biggest factor for the Panthers on offense and defense.

“He his such a huge presence down low on both sides of the ball. He is great in the post on offense and he can snag the defensive rebounds,” he said.

Easton Fortuna said that the locker room will be extra focused before the game. “We will be focused on being extra focused and preparing mentally for the big crowd.”